Pleat means a fold formed and usually pressed or stitched into fabric to control volume.
What this changes in a garment
Pleats may open during movement, release below a seam or remain permanently set. Their behaviour depends on fibre, heat setting and construction.
How to assess the workmanship
Check alignment, depth, matching across seams and whether the pleat returns after sitting or gentle handling.
The practical takeaway
Pleat is not a universal quality grade. The same technique or feature can be executed beautifully or poorly, and it can be appropriate in one garment but unnecessary in another.
